Blog Post

Does your dog’s breath have you gagging? That’s a sign of poor dental health. There are many ways to help increase your dogs not so pleasant breath. Temporary solutions such as chew toys can help massage their gums and teeth, but should not be your main solution for your dog’s overall dental hygiene routine.

Your dog’s dental health is not only important for the strength of their teeth, but also the overall health of their vital organs. Poor dental hygiene can trickle throughout the entire body and pose a threat to your dog’s liver, kidneys, heart, and other major organs.

Dog Grooming Tips | 3 Ways to Care For Your Dog’s Teeth

Keeping up with your dog’s oral hygiene can be a challenge for first time dog owners. We have compiled a list of dog grooming tips to help you keep your puppy happy and healthy.

1. Choosing Toothpaste for Your Dog

Many dog owners believe that using human toothpaste is fine for dogs. This is not the case. Human toothpaste can make your dog sick. The chemical in toothpaste to make it sweeter to the taste can be toxic to many dogs.

It’s likely that your dog will swallow some of the toothpaste while brushing your dog’s teeth, so it’s important that you choose a toothpaste that is designed to be enjoyable. Unlike human toothpaste, dog toothpaste comes in flavors such as beef, chicken, and liver. These yummy flavors will help your dog accept regular teeth cleanings and improve their overall dental health.

2. Understanding the Different Types of Canine Toothbrushes

Typically, dog toothbrushes are smaller and softer than human toothbrushes. The typical dog toothbrush has dual ends and taper towards the end, making it easier to reach all around the dog’s mouth.

When brushing your dog’s teeth for the first time, be sure to acclimate them to the process. Let them sniff and lick the toothpaste so they get used to the taste. While gently holding your dog’s muzzle in one hand, gently place the toothpaste to her teeth using your finger before brushing.

Introduce the toothbrush to your pet by brushing in circular motions. For first timers, limit brushing to only the front teeth.

In some cases, dogs do not take well to toothbrushes. Thankfully, there are alternatives. There are dental wipes, treats, and other alternatives that can give your dog the same benefits as brushing. Test these oral hygiene options to find the best method for your dog.

3. Scraping & Scaling Dog’s Teeth

Scraping and scaling your dog’s teeth is not something that should be done by first timers. This process is more intensive and if not done properly can injure your dog.

A trained dog groomer will use a human plaque scraper to gently scrape the plaque and tartar off of your dog’s teeth. In some cases, scrapes can be very sharp and cut into the gums if the dog resists.

How Proper Dog Grooming Can Benefit Your Pet

With proper dog grooming, your dog can live a longer, healthier life. For those dog owners that are too nervous to groom your pet’s mouth on your own, seek the help of a pet grooming professional. This will ensure that your dog has proper grooming, free from injury.